Smothered Chicken and Rice is a culinary hug that wraps your taste buds in comfort. Imagine juicy chicken simmering in a rich, creamy sauce, served over fluffy rice that soaks up all that flavorful goodness. creamy butter chicken dish It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to wear sweatpants and dive into seconds, maybe even thirds. taco rice bowl recipe. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Beef Wraps recipe.
This dish has been a staple in my family for years. I remember the first time I made it for friends who were visiting; the moment they took their first bite, their eyes widened with delight. It became an instant hit and a cherished memory filled with laughter and full bellies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This smothered chicken and rice recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The flavor profile balances savory chicken with a creamy sauce that’s irresistible
- The vibrant colors are visually appealing, turning dinner into a feast for the eyes
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak ingredients based on what you have at home
My friends couldn’t stop raving about it, asking for the recipe as if it were some secret family heirloom.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm and fragrant garlic cloves; they add depth to the sauce.
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Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor.
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Heavy Cream: Adds richness; half-and-half can work too if you’re looking to lighten it up.
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Onion: A diced onion adds sweetness and texture; yellow or sweet onions work best here.
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Rice: Use long-grain white rice for fluffy results; jasmine rice is another delightful option.
For the Sauce:
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the overall flavor of the dish.
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Flour: Essential for thickening the sauce; all-purpose flour will do just fine.
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Paprika: I prefer smoked paprika here; it adds a subtle depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
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Salt and Pepper: Always season to taste; they are crucial in elevating all other flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
The Preparation Phase: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the stage for perfectly cooked chicken.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides—about 5 minutes per side. They should sizzle beautifully.
Sauté Aromatics: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. crockpot chicken with garlic Sauté until onions are translucent and aromatic—this will take about 3 minutes.
Create the Sauce: Sprinkle flour into the onion-garlic mix and stir well for about one minute. Slowly pour in chicken broth while continuously whisking to avoid lumps until smooth.
Add Creamy Goodness: Stir in heavy cream followed by paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer until slightly thickened—about 5 minutes should do the trick.
Combine Everything: Return seared chicken back into the skillet. Spoon some of that luscious sauce over each piece and bring everything to a gentle boil before lowering heat.
Add Rice: Stir in uncooked rice directly into the skillet with 1 cup of water or more broth as needed. Cover tightly with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.
With these simple steps, you’ll soon have smothered chicken and rice ready for devouring! Enjoy every creamy bite while basking in its comforting warmth. comforting chicken casserole.
Now go forth and indulge in this scrumptious meal that’s sure to bring everyone around your table together!
You Must Know
- Smothered Chicken and Rice is more than comfort food; it’s a hug in a bowl
- The creamy sauce and tender chicken create a dish that feels like home, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in
- Don’t forget the secret ingredient – love!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the chicken to lock in flavors, then sauté onions and garlic before adding rice and broth. This method ensures everything cooks evenly, creating that deliciously rich flavor everyone loves.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or peas. A sprinkle of cheese on top can elevate the dish to gourmet status.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always season your chicken before cooking to enhance flavor
- Avoid overcrowding the pan while browning – it steams instead of sears
- Letting the dish sit after cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully
I remember the first time I made Smothered Chicken and Rice; my family devoured it within minutes! Their smiles were priceless, reminding me why I love cooking for them. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.
FAQ
What can I substitute for rice in Smothered Chicken and Rice?
Quinoa or cauliflower rice works great as low-carb alternatives.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Add a cornstarch slurry or simmer longer until desired consistency is reached.
Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Smothered Chicken and Rice is a cozy, heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken simmered in a creamy sauce with fluffy rice. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious meal that brings the family together. With savory flavors and visually appealing colors, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides (approximately 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir for 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth while whisking until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream, paprika, salt, and pepper; let simmer until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Add uncooked rice and enough water or broth to cover; cover tightly with a lid.
- Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
